Spirit Hunter: Book One of the Path of Ethos Trilogy

by Simon Shugar

Peace came too late—and the land has already begun to burn.

In the fragile calm after a kingdom-breaking war, Tomi has finally found something worth a quiet life in Elkswood, among friends who feel like family. But the land he loves has other plans.
Fires bloom across the countryside without cause. Whispers of rebellion rise among the fief lords. And deep beneath it all, something ancient begins to stir. Tomi, a hunter with Pathos, a rare gift that links him to the world around him, and to Kit, the red kite who sees what he cannot, is drawn into a rising storm.

As foreign powers circle and uneasy alliances form, Tomi must choose where to with the crown, the rebels, or the spirits that once kept balance.

Before everything burns again.

The Sequel Trilogy to Hunter’s Apprentice: The Path of Pathos Trilogy begins!

Genres: Fantasy

439 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 8, 2025

About the author

Hey, I’m Simon Shugar—fantasy author hooked on telling bold, emotional, action-heavy stories through raw, first-person journeys. If you like coming-of-age arcs, epic stakes, and human struggles in unreal worlds, you're in the right place!

I’m originally from Oxfordshire, England, now living in North Carolina with my wild little toddler and our very chill (and very spoiled) dog, Jasper. I’ve loved fantasy for as long as I can remember—drawn in by the magic, the grit, and the heart at the center of it all.

I studied game design for a bit, then pivoted into software engineering to pay the bills. But somewhere in between code and chaos, I started writing stories—and once I did, I couldn’t stop. Fast forward to now, I’ve written 13 novels across three trilogies and a standalone, with plenty more on the way.

Reviews

[Landon Ragusa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first Trilogy, and Spirit Hunter kicks off a continuation trilogy that picks up right where the previous trilogy left off (a few years in the future, but the the same place and cast of characters). I loved how still and patient the Pathos books were in telling Tomi’s story, and Spirit Hunter feels the same. This series seems to more explore the spirits and their role in the world now that the war for the throne is over. Solid writing, pacing, and character development throughout.
*8.7/10

[cyrene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as great as the others but still good

Tomi is the same which I like. I just hate that I knew the villain of the story halfway through. I also hate that Tomi took a whole book to propose to Anni.

[Keith Bridenstine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, yes, yes! Tomi's story takes a whole new journey.

[J Duehring · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

Wonderful cross of older style story telling but none of the AI low metaphor. Thank you from an old reader, read Lord of the Rings in the 1960's.